How to Remove Woodchip Wallpaper: A Step-by-Step Guide for UK Homes

Woodchip wallpaper, once a popular choice in UK homes, is often dreaded when it comes time to redecorate. The textured surface, made with wood fibres embedded in the wallpaper, was widely used in older properties to cover up imperfections in plasterwork. However, removing it can be a challenge because of its toughness and the layers of paint that might have been added over the years.

If you’ve decided it’s time to say goodbye to your woodchip wallpaper, don’t panic! While it can be a bit of a tricky task, with the right tools and techniques, you can remove it efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you tackle the job.

What You’ll Need

Protective sheets (for floors and furniture)
Wallpaper scorer
Wallpaper stripper or steamer
Scraper (a wide-blade one works best)
Warm water or wallpaper remover solution
Sponge or spray bottle
Protective gloves and goggles
Masking tape
Sandpaper (optional)
Sugar soap (for final cleaning)

Step 1: Prepare the Room

Start by preparing the room to protect it from dust, water, and wallpaper debris.

Move the furniture: Take out as much furniture as possible to give yourself room to work. Cover the rest with dust sheets.
Protect the flooring: Use plastic sheeting or old bedsheets to cover the floor and skirting boards, securing the edges with masking tape.
Turn off the electrics: If you plan to use a wallpaper steamer, switch off any nearby electrical sockets and light switches as a safety precaution.

Step 2: Score the Wallpaper

Before you can remove woodchip wallpaper, you need to perforate the surface so that the moisture can seep through to the adhesive layer underneath.

Use a wallpaper scorer: Gently roll the scoring tool over the entire surface of the woodchip wallpaper. This will create small holes without damaging the wall underneath.
- Tip: Don’t press too hard with the scorer, as this could gouge the plaster, creating more repair work later on.

Step 3: Apply Moisture

Once you’ve scored the wallpaper, you need to soften the glue beneath the woodchip layer by soaking it with warm water or a wallpaper removal solution.

Mix warm water and wallpaper stripper: Alternatively, use plain warm water in a bucket. Fill a spray bottle or use a sponge to apply the liquid generously to the wallpaper.
Let it soak: Allow the water to sit on the wallpaper for at least 10-15 minutes, so it has time to penetrate and loosen the adhesive.
- Note: If the wallpaper has been painted over several times, it may take longer for the moisture to work its way through. In these cases, applying the liquid in sections and using a steamer will be more effective.

Step 4: Use a Wallpaper Steamer (Optional but Helpful)

For heavily painted woodchip wallpaper, a wallpaper steamer can speed up the process. These devices heat water into steam, which helps loosen stubborn wallpaper adhesives.

Steam in sections: Hold the steamer plate against the wallpaper for about 30 seconds, then move to the next section.
Scrape as you go: While the wallpaper is still soft from the steam, use your scraper to gently peel it off, starting from the edges.

Step 5: Start Scraping

Once the wallpaper has been soaked or steamed, it’s time to scrape it off.

Use a wide-blade scraper: Starting at the corners or seams, gently slide the scraper under the edge of the wallpaper and begin to lift it away.
Work slowly: Take your time, especially if the wallpaper is still holding firm. Reapply water or steam as needed to keep the paper moist and soft.
Remove stubborn bits: If small bits of woodchip paper remain stuck to the wall, use sandpaper or a fine blade to carefully remove them.
- Tip: Be cautious not to gouge the plaster with your scraper. If some of the plaster does get damaged, you can repair it later using filler or a skim coat.

Step 6: Clean the Walls

After you’ve successfully removed the woodchip wallpaper, your walls may have leftover adhesive or residue.

Wipe down with sugar soap: Use a sponge and a solution of sugar soap to clean the walls and remove any traces of adhesive.
Rinse with clean water: Make sure to wipe the walls down with fresh water afterward, allowing them to dry thoroughly before any new decorating begins.

Step 7: Repair Any Damage

It’s not uncommon for woodchip wallpaper to hide imperfections or even cause minor damage to the wall during removal. Before you redecorate:

Check for damage: Inspect the walls for cracks, holes, or uneven spots.
Use filler or plaster: For minor damage, a ready-mixed filler works well. Apply it with a filling knife, sand smooth when dry, and repeat as needed. Larger imperfections may require a skim coat of plaster to create a smooth surface for painting or new wallpaper.

Final Tips

Be patient: Removing woodchip wallpaper can take time, especially if it’s been painted over. Don’t rush—work section by section for the best results.
Consider professional help: If your walls are old and fragile, or you’ve tried removing the wallpaper yourself but it’s too difficult, hiring a professional decorator may be worth considering.

Conclusion

Removing woodchip wallpaper is undoubtedly a challenging task, but with the right tools and patience, you can achieve great results. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a smooth, clean surface ready for your next decorating project. Whether you’re looking to repaint or apply fresh, modern wallpaper, this guide will help you tackle the job like a pro!

Now, go grab your tools and get to work—your fresh new space awaits!